Outdoor Essentials

With 300 days of sunshine, Pasadena is the perfect place to experience the great outdoors and take a break.

Pasadena is one of California's most picturesque and historical cities, making it the ultimate getaway for those looking to explore the outdoors. Here are a few of our top picks for parks, gardens, and trails to explore in Pasadena:

Parks

Pasadena is full of beautiful parks that are ideal for an afternoon picnic, walk through nature, and more outdoor family fun. Visit Pasadena’s Brookside Park, Hahamonga Watershed Park, or Angeles National Forest, which features brilliant slopes and rocky canyons to hike along, to begin your outdoor adventure.

Trails

There are plenty of trails within Pasadena to get active on. Grab your bike, dog, or family members, and discover the breathtaking views that Pasadena's landscape offers. Explore the Oak Knoll section of town, visit the world-famous Rose Bowl, or head out on a 10-mile stretch down the East Fork of the San Gabriel River with one of Pasadena’s hiking or biking tours. Whatever trail you choose, you are sure to run into breathtaking scenery.

More To Do

The incredible opportunities for fun and adventure the city of Pasadena boasts does not end here. Make sure to check out the listings below for more thrilling outdoor activities in Pasadena, including local sporting events, golf courses, beautiful views, and more.

While out, please remember to be respectful of our friends and neighbors and their health and safety. Respect the environment, local culture and the diverse groups who visit our state. Respect is the key to keeping each other safe and all of California’s precious and fragile landscape protected - today and tomorrow.

Active Life and Sports

Angeles National Forest

Follow Angeles National Forest on Twitter for updates on road closures and other activity. San Gabriel Mountains Oftentimes, pictures of Pasadena show...

Active Life and Sports

Bikes & Hikes LA

Hiking and Biking ToursThrough a selection of five regularly scheduled guided biking and hiking tours, Bikes & Hikes LA offers individual travelers an up close...

Active Life and Sports

Brookside Golf Course

Brookside Golf Course is located in Pasadena, California—it is adjacent to the Rose Bowl Stadium in the Arroyo Seco natural area. Brookside features two...

Active Life and Sports

Brookside Park

Park Near the Rose BowlPasadena's largest fully maintained park facility (61.1 acres) is located just south of Rose Bowl Stadium. Lots of parking is available...

Gardens

Descanso Gardens

Descanso Gardens. Descanso Gardens features nine botanical collections, a (ride-able) miniature railroad, house museum, modern art gallery, cafe and gift...

Active Life and Sports

Eaton Canyon

Hiking Trails in Pasadena. Eaton Canyon is a 190-acre zoological, botanical, and geological nature preserve at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains. While...

Active Life and Sports

Hahamonga Watershed Park

Hahamongna Watershed Park is located at the Southeast corner of Oak Grove Drive and Foothill Boulevard. This 1300-acre park in the Arroyo Seco extends from...

Gardens

Los Angeles County Arboretum

Plant and outdoor lovers, immerse yourself in nature and experience 127-acres of stunning gardens, natural landscapes, historic structures and learning spaces....

Active Life and Sports

Mount Wilson Mountain Biking Adventure

Build your adventure on your own terms. Mount Wilson Mountain Bike Adventure offers professionally designed biking tours, skills clinics and youth camps which...

Active Life and Sports

Pasadena Ice Skating Center

The Pasadena Ice Skating Center facility features an NHL regulation size rink with 4 team rooms, skate rental, party room, vending machines, pro shop, and...

Active Life and Sports

Rose Bowl Aquatics Center

The Rose Bowl Aquatics Center, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, opened in 1990 and is located in Pasadena's beautiful Brookside Park, just south of the...

Active Life and Sports

Rose Bowl Stadium

America's Stadium. The stadium is the proud home of the Tournament of Roses Football Game, UCLA Bruin Football, Americafest Fourth of July Celebration,...